1851 DT$1 Dollar, Judd-132 Restrike, Pollock-159, Low R.7, PR66
Brown NGC.
Design. Both obverse and reverse dies feature the designs used
to coin the 1851 silver dollar restrikes. The obverse can be
distinguished from the original 1851 dies because the date is
centered. On the original dies the date is slanted upward. Struck
in copper with a reeded edge.
Commentary. The rarity of the silver dollars of 1851 was
recognized by collectors in the earliest days of the hobby. Mint
Director James Ross Snowden responded to collector demand by
including the 1851 silver dollar in his restrike program in 1859.
Silver restrike examples were available right away, but copper
specimens appeared on the market only several years later. The
first auction appearance of Judd-132 was in the F.S. Edwards Sale
(Edward Cogan, 10/1865), lot 1995. The cataloger described the coin
in his typical, terse style: "1851, Fine proof. In copper. Silver
dollar size." The lot sold for $12, a considerable sum in those
days. This issue has remained popular with collectors ever since
and always causes excitement in its rare auction appearances.

The present coin was featured in the 195th Auction Sale (Bolender,
3/1959), lot 115. Bolender's description follows, "1851 Trial
piece for silver dollar, struck in copper, from regular dies.
AW-144. Proof. Excessively rare, only 4 or 5 minted. Edgar H.
Adams, author of the Adams-Woodin book on U.S. Pattern Coins, had
his specimen priced at $250 more than 30 years ago, when I
purchased part of his collection, including his 1851 dollar in
copper. This is not the same coin, and only the second I have
handled, in over 50 years of dealing. More than 100 times as rare
as the 1851 dollar in silver which sells for over $500." Since
Bolender's time, a few more examples of Judd-132 have surfaced, but
the issue remains elusive. USPatterns.com estimates fewer than one
dozen specimens exist. The present offering represents a rare
opportunity to acquire this highly sought-after issue in virtually
unimprovable condition.
Physical Description. Sharply struck, with fine detail visible
on all design elements. There is a partial wire rim on both sides.
Deep brown color is pleasingly mixed with subdued mint red, with
cerulean-blue highlights. Outstanding eye appeal. NGC
Census: 1 in PR66 Brown, none finer. PCGS Population:
None graded higher than PR64 Red and Brown (12/08).
Provenance.Ex: 195th Sale (Bolender, 3/1959), lot 115; The
June Sale (Stack's, 6/1986), lot 434.
From The Lemus Collection, Queller Family Collection Part Two. (PCGS# 11563)